Founded in 1980, it is part of the MPW group of colleges (founded in London in 1973). it is a tutorial college with single-site premises in the suburb of Edgbaston and was the first of its kind in the West Midlands. The aim of the college is to provide the most effective preparation for the specific examinations that each student will be taking. The method is based on intensive tuition in small groups, close personal monitoring of academic progress and regular examination practice. Its reputation is based on it being a place where students can enjoy working hard. The environment is friendly and informal, and the atmosphere positive and conducive to success. The college is non-denominational and welcomes students from all parts of the community.
Pupils: Age range 14-19; 97 day pupils (54 male, 43 female). Entrance: Main entry ages 14 and 16. No entrance exams; the most appropriate programme of study is designed around prior achievement, realistic aspirations and needs of the individual student. For sixth-form entry, students have usually achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C.
Limited bursaries to parents who can verify financial difficulties. Parents expected to buy textbooks.
Principal: Mark Shingleton, in post from 2009. Previously head of sixth form at an independent school in Oxfordshire and pastoral director at a West London sixth form college. Teaching staff: 35 tutors. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 40.
GCSEs: 60% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 20% in 7 subjects. A-levels: 59 in upper sixth; 89% passed in 3+ subjects, 11% in 2 (mainly retake students); average final points score was 252.
94% of sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course. 53% take courses in science and engineering degrees (including medicine), 47% in humanities and social science.
GCSE programme offered as a standard 2-year course (all students follow a common curriculum) or a 1-year course (individually-tailored and aimed at those students who have already studied at that level but not yet achieved 5 GCSE at grade C). A-level programme offered as: 2-year course where students study 3-4 AS and A-levels; 1-year courses for those who have already studied at that level; and intensive retake courses.
Uniform: No uniform. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Religion: Non-denominational - no formal religious worship. Social: No meals; vending machines available. No alcohol allowed on college premises.
All members of the college community are expected to show mutual respect. Minor disciplinary matters (eg missing one homework) dealt with by the relevant subject teacher. Serious matters would lead to a formal disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to the Principal; eg a student found smoking cannabis on the college premises would lead to permanent exclusion.
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